Silverback Therapeutics announced that Laura Shawver was appointed president, chief executive officer and director of Silverback Therapeutics to lead the next phase of growth utilizing ImmunoTAC™ therapeutics that are administered systemically, tissue-directed, and locally active with a pipeline of programs in oncology, fibrosis and virology. Dr. Shawver brings more than 25 years of demonstrated success as a scientist, biotech leader and patient advocate to the role. Most recently, Dr. Shawver was CEO and director of Synthorx, Inc. from 2017 until its acquisition by Sanofi in January 2020 for $2.5 billion.

Previously, she has held positions as CEO and director of Cleave Biosciences; entrepreneur-in-residence for 5AM Ventures; CEO and director of Phenomix Corporation; and president of SUGEN Inc. She is currently a director of Relay Therapeutics, as well as board chair of Cleave Therapeutics. She is an active member of the American Association for Cancer Research, serving on the Scientific Advisory Committee for Stand Up to Cancer. Dr. Shawver knows firsthand what it is like to be a cancer patient – having survived ovarian cancer, she founded The Clearity Foundation, a nonprofit organization helping women with ovarian cancer improve their treatment options.